Two minute guide to: Cheltenham Town
The Valiants face another vital game as they host Cheltenham Town on Friday afternoon. Here is our brief guide to the opposition.
Man in charge:
Mark Yates has been in charge at Whaddon Road since 2009. He has managed 177 games, winning 68, losing 62 and drawing 47.
Last time we met:
It finished 1-1 back in December. Louis Dodds (right) ended his fifteen game goal drought to score his fifth of the season as Vale picked up an away point against Cheltenham Town.
Overall record:
Cheltenham are in front with five wins to Vale’s three. There have also been five draws. However, Vale’s last home win over Cheltenham came back in 2007.
Featured connection:
Former Vale defender Keith Lowe (right) should line up against his former club on Saturday. The former Wolves stopper joined Vale on a season-long loan in 2007 but with mixed results. Vale ended up relegated and Lowe found himself in and out of the Vale side. Lowe subsequently linked up with Mark Yates at Kidderminster before joining him at Cheltenham. He now has over 100 appearances for Town.
Other connections:
Vale midfielder Ryan Burge (club suspension) and winger Ashley Vincent (injury) will both miss out on facing their former club but another former Robin Jennison Myrie-Williams should feature. Other players to appear for both clubs include Chris Banks, Scott Brown, Justin Richards, Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Guy Madjo, Steve Brooker and Micky Bell.
Team news:
Vale will definitely make one change. Chris Birchall faced a gruelling trip to Peru on International duty and captain Doug Loft (right) is set to replace him after serving his suspension. Sam Morsy serves the final game of his suspension while Richard Duffy and Daniel Jones may also come into contention.
Cheltenham are sweating on the fitness of winger Kaid Mohamed and captain Russ Penn.
What they are saying:
“We’re all well aware of the size of our task today and it’s a big challenge for us. Vale have been scoring goals for fun this season and it’s easy to see why.”
– Keith Lowe
“They are a big strong side and I think that anybody who went to Cheltenham earlier on in the season to watch the game will have seen what they are about.”
– Tom Pope